Q: Is anything ever going to open in the old Fuel Pizza spot?
Tom: Eventually, but sadly, nothing to do with the area food scene. It’s another case of replacing beloved Charlotte eateries with bank branches. Fuel Pizza’s South End location, at the corner of East and South Boulevards, closed in March 2023. Last reports say it will be replaced by a branch of Minnesota-based U.S. Bank, although it has taken a while.

Q:  Are speakeasies still a thing?
Tom: Kinda. Sorta. The speakeasy trend may have lost some of its buzz as new nightlife concepts gain popularity—casual wine bars like Flight in Elizabeth and Bar à Vins in NoDa are drawing crowds, while high-concept lounges such as the garden-themed Folia and the techno-inspired Orosoko in South End offer fresh experiences. Still, the Prohibition-style “secret room” concept continues to have a loyal following in Charlotte. Dot Dot Dot, tucked behind Park Road Shopping Center, remains a favorite for craft cocktails and elevated bites. Backstage Lounge, hidden behind SouthBound on South Boulevard, still uses a weekly password system (although shared weekly via Instagram) for entry. And the recently opened Syn, from the team behind Canopy Cocktails & Garden in South End, might be the most true-to-form speakeasy in the area.

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